2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 10: Obaje's brace earns Rangers maximum points against Nasarawa United FC

Posted : 04 November 2024

Two second-half goals within five minutes by former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) top-scorer, Godwin Obaje, ensured that reigning league champions Rangers International bounced back to winning ways. The 'Flying Antelopes' overcame the 'Solid Miners,' Nasarawa United F.C, 2-0 in a Match Day 10, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday.

Following a promising 1-1 draw in Ilorin and a 0-0 draw in Uyo in the last two match days, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu made three changes to the starting lineup, giving starting spots to goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi and Godwin Obaje, while team captain Chinemerem Ugwueze also started in the entertaining encounter, which attracted a notable crowd.

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The team opted for a 4-4-2 formation aimed at pushing the visitors back to contain leading goal-scorer Anas Yusuf, with Frank Uwumiro and Godwin Obaje leading the attack. Isaac Saviour, Kazeem Ogunleye, Chinemerem Ugwueze, and Ejike Ugochukwu anchored the midfield, while the back-four of Effimi Nsi, Evans Ogbonda, Austine Opara, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi provided cover for Kingdom Osayi in goal.

The first half saw several missed opportunities on both sides, with the home team missing more chances. Effimi Nsi failed to connect after being set up by Isaac Saviour at 14 minutes. This was followed by a stinging shot from Frank Uwumiro that was pushed out by goalkeeper Galadima Mohammed at 16 minutes. Godwin Obaje's attempts at 22 and 40 minutes failed to find the net, while efforts from Ejike Ugochukwu and Isaac Saviour were bravely stopped by Galadima at 36 and 45 minutes.

In the second half, the home team continued pushing and probing for openings, which finally paid off at 55 minutes when Obaje met an Uwumiro cut-back to open his account for the season. Just five minutes later, he secured his brace by expertly converting a penalty after being brought down inside the box by Victor Collins, sparking celebrations from the fans.

Obaje nearly completed his hat-trick at 67 minutes after a pass from Evans Ogbonda, but his effort narrowly missed the target. Substitute Silas Nenrot also had a stinging shot pushed out by Galadima at 65 minutes, while Nenrot’s effort that found the net at 70 minutes was ruled offside. Further chances for Kazeem Ogunleye and Obaje at 71 and 73 minutes did not result in more goals.

As the game neared its conclusion, Coach Ilechukwu brought on young talents Daniel Onyia and Kelechi Edeh, who both impressed with their contributions.

In the post-match interview, Enugu's chief coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, stated, "This was a great game with a positive result against a strong opponent. They were tough in the first half, but after halftime adjustments, we converted two of our numerous chances. We’re pleased with the result and will work on finishing more of our chances in future matches."

Two-goal hero Godwin Obaje expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We’re thrilled with the win, and I'm especially glad to have scored in my first start of the season. It shows we’re gradually finding the form we need to compete strongly this season. Nasarawa United put up a good fight, but we showed greater resolve to win.”

With this victory, Rangers now hold the 5th spot in the 20-team standings with fifteen points from ten matches. Their next match is against Plateau United on Match Day 11 at the New Jos Stadium, Jos, next weekend.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 10: Obaje's brace earns Rangers maximum points against Nasarawa United FC

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